Constitution

Labour Students Society
- Constitution

To interpret this constitution it must be considered in total and in relation to the constitution of Cardiff University Students’ Union.

[1] TITLE

The Society shall be known as the Cardiff University Students’ Union Labour Students Society. It may be known as the Cardiff Labour Students both in informal communication and in formal representations made in any of the society’s functions outlined herein.

[2] AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aims and objectives of the society shall be:

[2.1] To promote social justice,

[2.2] To promote worker’s rights,

[2.3] To campaign for a Labour Government in the Senedd Cymru/Welsh Parliament, UK Parliament and for local Labour Party representatives at council level. Please note: Cardiff Labour Students constitutionally reserves the right to refuse to campaign for candidates who hold views that may contradict Labour Party policy on minorities and/or the Cardiff University Student Union Code of Behaviour policy, and/or views which are ruled by the committee to be sexist, racist, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist or classist. The decision to officially withdraw campaigning for a candidate shall be made on a case-by case basis, followed by a committee vote. Repercussions of this decision are to be taken by committee.

The committee vote shall be the final vote, unless new information comes to light or there is another election/campaign.

[2.4] To include Cardiff Labour Students in wider Labour Party activities on a regular basis.

[2.5] To take a full and active role within Welsh Labour Students, whilst respecting the autonomous decision making of the society. We assert the right to organise our members as a separate entity with our own campaigns.

[2.6] To adopt a close working relationship with Cardiff Young Labour, including organising joint campaigns and socials.

[2.7] To adhere as a society to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (2015) passed by the Welsh Government.

[2.8] To campaign within the students’ union on matters of concern to the membership, advancing progressive values via direct activism supplementing the efforts detailed in [2.3]. This may take the form of member-led campaigns or action taken at the discretion of the committee.

[2.9] The society shall, where possible, make itself accessible through the medium of Welsh.

[3] AFFILIATION

[3.1] The Labour Students Society will be affiliated to Cardiff University Students’ Union.

[4] STUDENTS’ UNION

[4.1] The Labour Students Society shall form part of Cardiff University Students’ Union, and as such, will adhere to all the rules of the University, the Students’ Union Constitution, the Students’ Union Social Policy and Activities Laws, and rules laid down herein.

[4.2] Changes to these rules will be made in accordance with the Students’ Union constitution procedures for amending the Students’ Union constitution.

[4.3] Representatives from the Labour Students Society shall attend the following meetings:

Societies’ Forum
Cardiff University Students’ Union AGM
Any other meeting called within the Students’ Union constitution that requires the attendance of Society representatives - for example an EGM

The number of representatives required shall be outlined in the Societies tier system criteria and adhered to accordingly.

[4.4] The Societies Team reserve the right to veto any activities of the Labour Students Society should they feel it contravenes any Students’ Union policy, or places an undue risk on the individuals involved.

[5] MEMBERSHIP

[5.1] May consist of any ordinary member of the Students’ Union wishing to participate in and further the aims and objectives of the Labour Students Society.

[5.2] At the discretion of the Labour Students Society committee, members of staff, alumni and associate members of the Students’ Union may join the Society.

[5.3] The Labour Students Society shall maintain an active membership of not less than 20 ordinary members (registered students) of the Students’ Union.

[5.4] The membership fee shall be determined by the Committee and approved by the Societies Team annually.

[5.5] All participants in society activity must be registered members of the Labour Students Society and the Guild of Societies.

[5.6] Members’ details will be held by the Students’ Union in line with the Data Protection Act.

[5.7] Student members are entitled to:

Join and participate in any activity organised by the Labour Students Society, subject to funding, skill, experience and availability.
Attend, address and vote at any general meeting of the Labour Students Society.
Attend any committee meeting of the Labour Students Society and, at the discretion of the committee, be granted speaking rights.
Hold a position on the committee of the Labour Students Society.

[5.8] Non-student members are entitled to:

Join and participate in any activity organised by the Labour Students Society, subject to funding, skill, experience and availability.
Attend and address any general meeting of the Labour Students Society.
Attend any committee meeting of the Labour Students Society and, at the discretion of the committee, be granted speaking rights.

[5.9] The Labour Students Society will operate on a basis of inclusivity and equal opportunity, therefore, no member will be discriminated against in line with the Equal Opportunities Policy.

The society is open and welcome to members of all gender identities, sexualities, races and religions, and open to all disabled members. We are proud to have a diverse membership and want our members to feel safe in their identities within the society. Members will be treated equitably within the society by all fellow members.

Labour Students operates a safe space policy at all of its events. Sexist, racist, anti-Semitic*, Islamophobic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or harassing comments will not be tolerated and will result in the offending party being removed from the event. By registering for our events all attendees agree to this code of conduct both at events and on any online platforms.

*The constitution uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism.

[6] THE COMMITTEE

[6.1] The committee is responsible for the day to day running of the Labour Students Society in accordance with the aims and objectives in [2].

[6.2] The committee shall collectively, along with their own job roles, be responsible for upholding the Cardiff University Students’ Union policies and procedures.

[6.3] The announcement of the new committee shall be made following an election, the dates of which are at the discretion of the committee.

[6.4] Committee nominations must be open to every society member and all members must have the opportunity to vote anonymously via the Student Union website in the committee election, other than for the four liberation positions for which a notice of ‘only self-defining members of this liberation are eligible to vote’ will be shown.

[6.5] Committee positions must be held by members who are current students at Cardiff University.

[6.6] The Labour Students Society committee shall have a minimum of three roles, a President, Secretary and Treasurer at any one time.

[6.7] The duties of each of the Committee members shall be as follows:

President: Acting as the principal officer, spokesperson for the society and key contact with Cardiff University Students’ Union, the President leads and co-ordinates the Society, committee and members. They shall be responsible for the planning, organising and chairing of committee meetings and for protecting the interests of the Society in accordance with its aims and objectives.

Secretary: The Secretary’s prime function is to administrate the running of the Society and committee, keep accurate records and communicate with the committee and society members.

Treasurer: The Treasurer oversees and monitors the financial affairs of the Labour Students Society, ensuring that Cardiff University Students’ Union Financial Guidelines are adhered to.

[6.8] Additional committee members shall include:

Vice President (Campaigns and Membership), Social Secretary, BAME Officer, Disability Officer, LGBTQ+ Officer, Women’s Officer and Welfare Officer

And where appropriate may include:

Heath Park Officer, New Members Officer, Trade Union Liaison Officer and General Election Campaign Coordinator

Vice President (Campaigns and Membership): This officer is responsible for overseeing campaigning, coordinating with the constituency party (and other CLPs when necessary) to organise campaigning as well as Labour Students Society and WLS (Welsh Labour Students) campaigns. They are the first point of contact for members, working to recruit and engage membership by ensuring events are accessible to all, in coordination with the liberation officers.

Social Secretary: This officer is responsible for the organisation of social events within the society, ensuring that they are accessible to all, and that the code of conduct is enforced during these events. Furthermore, they are responsible – alongside whichever committee members the President sees fit - for the running of the Labour Students Society social media accounts.

BAME Officer: BAME here is defined as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic. This officer leads on the issues and campaigns of our BAME caucus. The BAME caucus is open to anyone who self defines as BAME. They are responsible for the BAME voice in the society, including across social media platforms. They should work alongside the committee to ensure wherever possible we have a BAME voice at all events (e.g. no all white panels) and that the society is a welcoming environment for BAME people. They should be in contact with the national, and Welsh BAME officers to coordinate campaigns, and should play a part in National Labour Students BAME Caucus campaigns. They should provide opportunities for the BAME caucus to meet at least once a year.

Disability Officer: This officer leads on the issues and campaigns of the Disabled Students caucus, consisting of all self-defined disabled students, including those physically disabled, with learning disabilities and/or with mental health issues. They should work alongside the committee to make sure all events are accessible to our disabled members and provide opportunities for the disabled caucus to meet. Furthermore, they should work alongside the committee to ensure wherever possible we see broad representation from prominent disabled figures and activists, and that the society is a welcoming environment for disabled people.

LGBTQ+ Officer: The LGBTQ+ Officer will represent on the executive committee all society members who self-identify on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, including people who define as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, asexual, panromantic, intersex, queer and any other minority sexual orientation or gender identity. The LGBTQ+ Officer will organise LGBTQ+ caucus meetings for LGBT+ society members throughout the year. The LGBTQ+ Officer will work with both LGBTQ+ members and the rest of the society in promoting/representing LGBTQ+ issues. They should work alongside the committee to ensure wherever possible we have an LGBTQ+ voice at all events and that the society is a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ people. They should be in contact with the national, and Welsh LGBTQ+ officers to coordinate campaigns, and should play a part in National Labour Students LGBTQ+ Caucus campaigns.

*Trans shall incorporate any individual identifying as a gender identity different to that assigned at birth.

Women’s Officer: This officer is responsible for gathering the views of any member of the society who identifies as female, and to ensure those views are adequately represented and voiced. This officer represents, and is open to listen to any concerns regarding the issues that may affect any self-identifying female member, to raise awareness of these issues, and to work alongside the committee to ensure these agendas are met. They should work alongside the committee to ensure wherever possible we have strong female representation at all events and that the society is a welcoming environment for women. They shall take up campaigns in collaboration with whichever organisations they see fit, upholding the values of the society in its commitment to equal rights and justice for all women.

At the discretion of the committee, and taking into consideration all circumstances which may cause these roles to become necessary, further committee members may be elected to the roles of Heath Park Officer, New Members Officer, Trade Union Liaison Officer and the General Election Campaign Coordinator. Their descriptions are as follows:

Heath Park Officer: The Heath Park Officer (HPO) is responsible for promoting the society to students studying at the Heath Park Campus and supporting Heath Park students to engage with events, campaigns and activities organised by the society. The Heath Park Officer shall report back to committee on how best to facilitate engagement at Heath Park, and what more the society could be doing to reach the students on Heath Campus.

New Members Officer: This officer is responsible for specifically welcoming and liaising with new members of the society, especially within the first few months of the new academic year. The New Members Officer will provide reports back to the committee about how many new members the society has gained, as well as any feedback that new members have for the committee regarding events, socials, campaigns and general conduct. The officer does not have to be a first-year student.

Trade Union Liaison Officer: The Trade Union Liaison Officer (TULO) shall be responsible for outreach to our various colleagues in the Trade Union Movement, to create opportunities to feed into policies, approaches to disputes, organising schools and the youth wings of unions and the TUC as appropriate and possible. Furthermore, the TULO will take responsibility for procuring support from affiliate Trade Unions in the form of venues, monetary support or anything which might aid the society in its aims as well as support the relevant union in reaching younger people, as has been the case in the past.

General Election Campaign Coordinator: The General Election Campaign Coordinator (GECC) shall be created where need arises for intensive campaigning – in the runup to council elections, Senedd Elections or a General Election. They shall begin a process of organising and coordinating campaigning events and campaign days both across Cardiff and in marginal constituencies, sorting out cost-effective transport and ensuring that the substantial campaigning force of the society is deployed effectively to return good Labour Candidates who share the values of the society and its membership (see [2.3]) to elected office and hopefully to government.

[6.9] Removal Procedures: A vote of ‘no confidence’ in a committee member must be submitted formally in writing by a society member to the entire committee and the Societies Team. This is to be voted on in an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) called by the committee with at least two weeks’ notice. A minimum of half the society’s membership must be present and the motion must be passed by two thirds of those present. The decision of this vote is subject to appeal by the committee member through the Societies Executive Committee. Additionally, in the event that a committee member fails to attend a committee meeting on three separate occasions, without due cause and without notice given to the President or Secretary of greater than 24 hours, the remaining committee shall refer the matter to the Societies Coordinator for further action. The same shall apply where it becomes apparent that a committee member is not discharging their duties or is doing so in a manner which may bring the society into disrepute. Should a committee member remain inactive, further action may be taken in the form of a hearing, again led by the Societies Team. Should the hearing not produce a sufficient resolution, a subsequent EGM may be called – following the procedures outlined above – to vote confidence in the relevant member.

[6.10] A change in committee roles must be passed at an AGM or EGM before nominations open.

[6.11] The committee shall have the power to appoint appropriate sub-committees. These may be used as the committee sees fit, and shall potentially aid the society in its aims under [2.8] – allowing for a distinct outlet for member-led campaigns under the banner of society activity.

[6.12] Elections shall permit a moderate level of campaigning. Candidates shall have the opportunity to submit a manifesto on the SU website, which shall be visible as part of election procedures alongside the voting page. Candidates may create election materials and share them on their respective social medias as well as in society group chats. However, all candidates shall be subject to three fundamental rules:

No cynical, malicious or negative campaigning. This may take the form of speaking poorly about fellow candidates, misrepresenting the views of others to further a personal point, or anything which may be deemed to the detriment of a positive, well-informed election.
No spam. While campaigning may be permitted, anyone deemed to be over-sharing their materials in group chats or drowning out substantive discourse shall be in breach of election rules.
No pressure on others. Encouraging members to vote shall be permitted, as shall informed conversations explaining what makes any one candidate a good fit for the position they are running for. However, the exercising of undue pressure on members to reveal for whom they are voting is not helpful and can result in members feeling uncomfortable or pressured to cast their ballot a certain way. Therefore, explicitly pushing someone to reveal their anonymous ballot shall not be permitted.

These rules are to be enforced by committee members not participating in the election as a candidate for any position. Any candidate deemed to be in breach of these rules could be suspending from standing if they do not comply with these rules, based on a majority decision of the committee. The casting vote shall be held by the President. Any committee member participating in the election will not be able to vote on the decision.

[6.13] In addition to the committee roles set out above, the Labour Students society will elect representatives to the Welsh Labour Students committee in accordance with its structure and rules at the time of election to these positions. These representatives shall act as much as possible as voices for the wider membership of the society, reporting back to members and taking the membership’s wider opinions to WLS meetings as much as is feasible and appropriate. Moreover, in the interests of ensuring cohesion between the National and university-wide Labour Students, these representatives shall, at the discretion of the committee, attend committee meetings as non-voting observers and report on the work they have completed or are in the process of completing.

[6.14] Though not a committee position, the society recognises an Honourary President from the Labour Movement outside of Cardiff University. This individual shall be someone who members hold in high regard, who exemplifies the values of the society and the Labour Movement at large, and ideally someone with a strong link to the city or University. This person shall not be adopted as Honourary President without their explicit approval. They shall be afforded strictly figurehead status, though in theory shall be permitted to attend society events including committee meetings. They should appear at least once a year in the society events calendar as a guest speaker, if the committee sees fit. Any appointment to this position must be passed by a 2/3rds majority in a quorate AGM and incorporated into this constitution under [6.15].

[6.15] The society recognises Mark Drakeford MS as Honourary President, as an exemplar of the qualities required by [6.14]. This takes effect until such a time as members decide an alternative candidate might be more fitting (by way of a 2/3rds vote in an AGM), or Mr. Drakeford is no longer in a reasonable position to be recognised as Honourary President.

[6.16] Committee members should always act in the best interests of the Society. Where a committee member has interests outside of the Society that could come into conflict, or could be perceived to come into conflict, these should be declared to the entire committee. It may be appropriate for them to abstain from the relevant decision-making processes.

[7] COMMITTEE MEETINGS

[7.1] Committee meetings shall be held a minimum of once per month, with a preference for fortnightly meetings, but held as required.

[7.2] Quoracy for committee meetings is two thirds or three committee members, whichever is the greater.

[8] GENERAL MEETINGS

[8.1] General Meetings, to which all members are invited, shall be held as and when necessary.

[8.2] There shall be an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held to discuss the activities of the society throughout the previous year and to approve the constitution of the Labour Students Society in compliance with the rules of the Students Union.

[8.3] At least two weeks’ notice of a General Meeting shall be given by the Secretary to all members and Cardiff University Students’ Union.

[8.4] Constitutional amendments can be passed at any General Meeting by two thirds of those present or by more than half of the membership, whichever is the lesser. Amendments will then require ratification by the Societies Team.

[9] FINANCE

[9.1] The Labour Students Society’s finances must be administered in accordance with the guidelines set out by the Guild of Societies and Cardiff University Students’ Union.

[9.2] In the event that the Labour Students Society is no longer able to carry out its activities, and thus folds, all assets and debts will revert back to Cardiff University Students’ Union.

[9.3] Under no circumstances will Labour Students Society funds be distributed amongst members.

[9.4] The society may not enter into any contract or other legally binding arrangement without the permission of Cardiff University Students’ Union.

[10] COMPLAINTS, DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS PROCEDURES

[10.1] Informal complaints against the Labour Students Society or any of its members shall require the Labour Students Society President and Welfare Officer to be notified in writing. The Labour Students Society committee shall consider the complaint and may uphold or dismiss the complaint and shall be entitled to take suitable action.

[10.2] Complaints and reports of alleged misconduct shall be reported to the Labour Students Society President and Welfare Officer. The Labour Students Society committee shall consider

the report, make further enquiries where necessary with all due notification and involvement of SU Societies staff, and shall consider the following courses of action:

Verbal or written reprimand and/or;
Suspension of any or all membership privileges and/or;
Termination of membership of the Labour Students Society and/or;
Referral of complaint to the Students’ Union Complaints or Discipline Procedures

[10.3] An appeal against the outcome of a complaint or report of alleged misconduct should be submitted to the Vice President of Societies & Volunteering.

[10.4] The initial complaint or report of alleged misconduct should be forwarded to the Vice President of Societies & Campaigns for consideration if:

The Labour Students Society Committee feel unable to consider the complaint without bias, or;
The complainant feels the complaint or report will not be considered without bias. In this case, an appeal against the outcome of a decision shall be sent to the Students’ Union President.

[10.5] At all times, members of a Labour Students Society must adhere to the Cardiff University Student Union Code of Behaviour, as well as the following.

Any breaches of good order shall be dealt with by the committee and if necessary forwarded to the Students Union.

The following actions shall be deemed as breaches of good order:

Any comment or behaviour that is offensive or that appears to cause offence to someone based on their identified gender.
Any unfair treatment based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or disability that may lead to feelings of exclusion or upset.
Making comments which are seen to question or attack the validity of any person’s gender identity or sexual orientation, which refer to someone with gender pronouns/names which are different to the gender pronouns/names they have asked to be referred to by, which define someone’s role in the society on the basis of their gender or comments which deny the absolute right of all LGBT+ people, in the society or beyond, to be treated equally and with respect.
Use of derogatory language with the intent of undermining someone based on their sexual orientation or identified gender.
Making comments or actions which are felt to question or attack the validity of someone’s disability, including physical, learning or mental health and/or ableist comments
Making comments or actions or behaving in a way which would make it harder for a disabled student to participate in a Cardiff Labour Students activity or the society as a whole or denying the right of all disabled students within the society or beyond to be treated equitably and with respect.
Making comments which are seen to question the legitimacy of a person’s status as an ethnic minority. Making anti-Semitic* comments. Using anti-Semitic slurs. Using racial names by which to refer to a person of colour. Using racial slurs.

This constitution was passed at the Annual General Meeting of the Labour Students Society on 05/06/2023